Florrie Watts - Wokingham - Institutionalised

['Trish']

Could anyone tell me how I go about finding the institution that Florrie Watts was sent to by her adopted parents, James & Maria Watts in Wokingham?  In a diary quote:
Florrie Watts, adopted sister. In the 'Institutions' in Wokingham (imagines she keeps losing her opportunities) This was written by a Mrs J Edith Hall nee Watts.
Bit of a difficult one here but would be greatful for any assistance.  I am afraid I dont know Florries christened name, or have her adoption papers (if there was one?)
regards Trish

[nanny jan]

Hi,

You haven't said what years are involved;  could Florrie feature on a census when she was in the "institution" ?


Nanny Jan

['Trish']

Her adopted siblings, Julia Edith born 1874 Wokingham, Harold, Ralph & Hubert birthdates unknown at present.  All in the area of Wokingham.  So guess it must be around the 1870-1900? Adopted parents were James & Julie Watts, James was a Organist/Choirmaster at Baptist church, Wokingham.
Regards Trish

[nanny jan]

Hi,

On 1881 census there is this family:

James Watts             head              35   Auctioneer & Estate Agent
Julia Watts                wife               34
Julia E Watts             dau.                6
Florence JH Davies  adopted dau.  10  b. Ashburton,Devon

Living at Milton Road, Wokingham.


RG11      1310/50     6


Is this your Florrie?   Your first post has parents James & Maria and your second James & Julia.   

Do you know when the diary entry was written?  Might help to locate the Institution.


Nanny Jan

['Trish']

Unfortunately the diary is not dated the only info I have is
Florrie Watts, adopted sister. In the 'Institutions' in Wokingham (imagines she keeps losing her opportunities) This was written by a Mrs J Edith Hall nee Watts.
However Edith Hall was born 1874, married 1918, and must have written the diary when in her adult life as she refers to herself as Mrs J Edith Hall, so that might give an indication as she was the diary writer.
Regards Trish

['Trish']

Looking at the census again I think florence must have been Julia's cousin.  As Agnes Sophia Davies nee Watts was sister to James & Julia Watts & bit of a coincidence that both have the name Davies.
regards Trish

[behindthefrogs]

A few possibly relevant facts.

The Baptist Church is also in Milton Road.

Martin and Pole one of the main estate agents in the town incorporated Watts and Co some time in the past.

Martin and Pole's auction rooms were in Milton Road and in the last few years moved a short distance into what was the Baptist Church Hall.

David

['Trish']

I found a Weeks & Watts autioneers of Broad Street.  Maybe this could have been my families?  Found this info in a trade directory.  Is Martin & Pole still in existance?
regards Trish

[behindthefrogs]

Martin and Pole does still exist and has its office in Broad Street at the Market Place end.  This could well be the office to which you refer as the building is certainly old enough.

Milton Road continues from the other end of Broad Street about 200 yards away.

If you look at the Wokingham memories thread you will see some photographs of Montague House in Broad Street which is about half way along it and further discussion of the area.

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,321858.0.html

David